Montepulciano has been called "Pearl of the 1500s" thanks to the numerous works created by famous Renaissance artists. The main square "Piazza Grande" is surrounded by magnificent buildings such as the Palazzo Pubblico, the Cathedral with unfinished faça- de begun in1594 from a designby Ippolito Scalza and several residences by Vignola, Sangallo and Peruzzi. Artistic treasures abound in the many churches in the historical centre and just outside. The most beautiful is the tempie of San Biagio, begun in 1518 by Antonio da Sangallo the elder just outside the town in thedirection of Pienza.
Montepulciano celebrates several traditional events and is considered an important cultural and tourist centre.
Between July and August, Piazza Grande becomes a stage for concerts and for the Cantiere Internazionale d'Arte (International Arts Workshop). During the mid-August holiday it is traditional for the people of Montepulciano to perform the 'Bruscello', while the hommage to the community's greatest production takes piace at the end of August - the 'Bravio delle Botti', a competition between the 'contrade', the different districts of the town, where empty wine barrels are rolled up through the town in a race to Piazza Grande.
And wine is, in fact, the most famous product of the land around Montepulciano. Most of the wine cellars dug into the ground under the town are of historical interest, inviting the visitor to take a break between one museum and another.

Main Characteristics of this wine:

Colour: red pomegranate.
The Smell: ethereal with blackberry, withered violet and vanilla scents.
The Taste:dry, warm, soft, tannic and flavoursome enough, fullbodied.
Alcohol: 12,5° minimum.
Compulsory maturation time:: two years at least starting from the first of Jenuary of the year following the vintage.
Temperature to serve: 18-20°C.
Couplings: red grilled meats, guinea-hen in grease-proof paper and seasoned sheep's milk cheese (pecorino from Pienza).
Reserve: Ageing:minimum compulsory maturing: three years, starting from the first of Jenuary of the year following the vintage.